Havarti Mac n Cheese
I’ve been in a baking and cooking funk lately for one reason or another. It happens to the best of us. I truly wanted to get into the kitchen and make something new and fun to share but couldn’t bring myself to do so. I’m trying. So please be patient with me while I try to get back on track.
Maybe you can even help give me inspiration to get back in there and whip something fun up. What kinds are items are you most interested in seeing over the next few months? While you think about that, how about some mac n cheese to get us started?
I like having different versions of the same type of dish to mix it up on occasion. I have a simple go-to baked mac n cheese recipe but have to admit that I *gasp* sometimes get sick of it and want something different. I’ve shared another simple recipe as well as a fun buffalo chicken version which is sure to be a big hit with those who love buffalo sauce! So take your pick. I’m sure there will be plenty more mac n cheese recipes in the future. I can’t help it. It’s just so tasty and comforting! I’ll try to atleast resist another new recipe until it gets cold again, deal?
My mom has made this several times. I like this version because it’s not too strong and is easily loved by all because of it’s simplicity. I only just recently got around to asking for the recipe. As it turns out, it was a super easy recipe from Pillsbury that is very similar to one I’m familiar with making already. Score! I like simple. The only big difference in this is the varieties of cheese used and the amount of milk. Well, plus the seasonings in general are far less than I would normally use but that can be adjusted easily enough. It wasn’t quite salty enough for me but other days it might be just right so I’d suggest sticking with the basic seasonings to start out and adjust to your liking perhaps even after plating.
Havarti Mac n Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 C pasta
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 C milk
- 6 oz mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz Havarti cheese, shredded
- 1/2 C plain breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile cook pasta to desired consistency. Lightly coat a 2 quart baking dish with olive oil.
- Meanwhile, in a double boiler over simmering water, melt 2 tbsp butter. If you do not have a double boiler, a heat safe bowl can be used in its place. When butter has melted, add flour, salt, pepper and milk. Stir and cook until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes. Add shredded cheese, continue heating until full melted.
- Drain pasta and transfer to prepared baking dish. Pour cheese over pasta, stirring gently to distribute cheese throughout the dish.
- Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter and mix with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Spoon breadcrumb mixture over pasta.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes.
Looks good! I usually only use Havarti for sandwiches but I’ll have to try this!
If I come over will you warm me up a bowl? I’m afraid that I might eat the whole dish by myself if I make it myself. :P
I love mac and cheese, but have never tried it with havarti! Sounds good :)
I wish I could have this for breakfast right now!!
Havarti is my absolute favorite cheese! I am in love with the idea of using havarti for mac and cheese. I’m definitely trying this out!
OH YES PLEASE!! I love havarti!
Wow….all of these great posts this morning have me drooling like a St. Bernard. I love love love mac and cheese and will definitely be trying it with Havarti for certain! Great recipe Rachel!
Happy Friday,
Heather
This mac n cheese looks so tasty! I’m always in need of good dinner options, how about more fast meals?
This totally makes up for your lack of baking! YUM
mmm can’t go wrong with havarti! :)
i have that placemat!
Well now you did it. I’m going to HAVE to have mac and cheese for dinner tonight. Its’ a fav comfort food of mine and I love havarti, what a great idea.
That looks soooooo good…. :D
I love love love havarti!!!!!
Fantastic! Great job! I love mac n’ cheese, especially during this rainy, stormy weather. Cheese makes everything delicious.
I absolutely love Havarti and just know it has to be fantastic with pasta in a mac n cheese. Great idea!
MMM!! Now that’s a mac n cheese I would devour. Havarti anything wins my heart. Nicely done!!
That looks amazing. Have never used Havarti in mac and cheese, but I sure will now.
You can’t beat mac and cheese for comfort food. And havarti is a great cheese to use! Also? You used my favorite noodle. ;)
Mac & cheese is always my go to when I’m in a food funk and this sounds like a pretty solid take on it. I’ve never used havarti in mac & cheese and may have to add it into my rotation now. Thanks!
OMG that sounds delicious. I can hardly wait to try it for my grandchillin.
I love Havarti! Used to eat it (Dofino brand) every day when I lived in Canada. Now I’ve relocated to Bournemouth, U.K., and can’t find it anywhere. I’ve done searches on the websites of Sainsbury, Tesco, Asda, and Waitrose, and none of them has it (except Waitrose who has it ready-sliced, (a no-no for me). Do you know of any grocery store or supermarket in the Bournemouth area that might stock it? Any help would be very much appreciated.
I’m sorry, since I’m in the US I’m not familiar with who carries specific items elsewhere. Perhaps you could ask your local grocer for suggestions.
Yumm! Love havarti with just about anything. Especially with additives like chiptole or caraway. Yummm
How do I get a printer friendly version of this?
There should be a print icon at the top of the post where you can select which portions to print, or check out the recipe index (link located on the right of the page) for printable recipes.
I gave this a 5 because of how I KNOW it’ll taste. HAVING said that…I REALLY messed up A LOT of good cheese due to one thing…I BAKED it too long! It came out GRAINY! I was CRUSHED! That is my MAIN worry when making a mac & cheese like this, so I usually use eggs to avoid that. Not sure HOW much longer it baked but as soon as I scooped some up to taste, I KNEW, I saw & I CRIED(well almost LOL). My boys (sons * hubby) said it was fine (of course they knew better) & YES< very tasty JUST grainy. ANY advice on what I did OR was it like I said & baked it too long?
There are a lot of possible reasons this could happen. Overcooking can definitely be one cause. With baked mac n cheese, since the pasta and cheese are already cooked, the goal is really just to get it all to the same temperature and get a nice crispy topping. You can try increasing the oven temperature soon after placing it in the oven, which will get the top heat element going just enough to help get a crispy topping without overcooking the whole dish. You’ll need to watch it closely though. Other possible causes are using pre-shredded cheese or a lower fat milk. Fat is important to a silky roux and cheese sauce. Using a higher fat milk or adding an extra tablespoon or two of butter may help.